EASTERN PROVINCE

KIREHE— Protais Murayire has been elected the new Mayor of Kirehe district.

In an election presided over by Juvens Musefano, a commissioner from the National Electoral Commission (NEC), on Wednesday, Murayire won with 243 votes out of 277 votes cast to be crowned the winner.

He tussled with a 28-year old primary teacher Annonciatta Mukarugambwa who polled 31 votes.

Three votes were declared invalid. At least 341 members were supposed to vote.

The electorate was composed of the district and the sectors’ Advisory Councils.

The post fell vacant three months ago when the former Mayor Patrick Nkunzumwami resigned citing personal problems.

His resignation however, came a day before he was arrested on allegations that he had used his influence to get a female student out of the premises of the her school, APAPEM Secondary School.

Benson Muhikira, the Vice Mayor in-charge of Finance and Economic Development has been the acting mayor. 

Murayire has previously worked in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture.

He is a former president of the national cultural group (Itorero) and has been serving as the Executive Secretary for Rwamagana district.

The newly-elected Mayor was sworn-in shortly after results were announced in a swearing-in ceremony presided over by Jerome Mugeyo, the President of Ngoma Higher Instance Court.

In his acceptance speech, Murayire promised full commitment to his office duties as entailed by the constitution.

He called for partnership with other leaders in putting to reality this year’s performance contract.

Charles Gasana, the Eastern Province Executive Secretary warned the Mayor elect against using his position to serve his personal ends.

"You have been given a tough task which needs your total commitment if you wish to fulfill it,” he said.

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